Wanting to plan a surf / windsurf trip to NZ Taranaki area for 2 weeks, just looking for the best time of year to score wind and waves, i know its subjective, just wanted to increase my chances for epic conditions ?.
Was going to hirer a camper van, to explore the spots, would love to hear from any locals and crew that have done the trip before ?
Spring time is generally the recommended time to go.
Late Oct there is the Taranaki wave classic as well. Great comp.
Cheers,
Thanks for the reply, have done my homework = youtube vids of wavesailing the north island, looks awesome when the conditions are on !
Certainly is. Probably the best region in the world for wavesailing. So many good spots.
You could also contact James Dinnis at Carbon Art for some local knowledge. They are based there.
As mentioned above Spring is probably your best option I'd been keen for a couple of years and went across last year the same week as the Taranaki Classic Wave Event which is held on the NZ Labour Day weekend every year and scored big time. The event is super fun casual, basically free sailing with some sweet prizes from sponsors that didn't just go to the best sailors. If it's your first time there I'd head across that weekend to get a bit of local knowledge and give yourself a week or two after to enjoy this amazing coastline. If you get skunked with wind there is also plenty of other stuff to do to surf, SUP, MTB, hiking just take your steamer and some booties as there a couple of spots where launches are off rocks and the water is a tad cooler than Oz! Check out their website for more info www.taranakiwaveclassic.com/index.html
If I can swing it with work I'm going back again for sure this year!
Select to expand quoteNerdburger said..
Cheers, qwerty, great idea??
Heading to Taranaki for the Wave Classic in 2 weeks....you still keen?
Select to expand quoteOceanPitch said..Nerdburger said..
Cheers, qwerty, great idea??
Heading to Taranaki for the Wave Classic in 2 weeks....you still keen?
I'm keen for a last minute trip
a fee qs
anyone got accomodation sorted?
what wettie do people use this time of year?
how relatable are windguru forecasts? Ie - is there some crazy local mountain effect that adds 10 knots to forecast
cheers
Select to expand quoteOceanPitch said..Nerdburger said..
Cheers, qwerty, great idea??
Heading to Taranaki for the Wave Classic in 2 weeks....you still keen?
I'm keen for a last minute trip
a fee qs
anyone got accomodation sorted?
what wettie do people use this time of year?
how relatable are windguru forecasts? Ie - is there some crazy local mountain effect that adds 10 knots to forecast
cheers
Would be cool if you can make it this place is a hidden gem, whilst cold some of the best wavesailing conditions I've enjoyed anywhere.
Staying at Oakhura about 20mins south of New Plymouth which is on the surf coast highway and a little closer to the main windsurfing spots. I used a new 3/2 Steamer, Ripcurl Flashbomb and hoody last year and that did the job. If you have booties bring them as launch areas are rocky and water temps pretty cool if you are on the water for extended periods. There are plenty of options for reasonably priced accommodation both in Oakhura or back in New Plymouth, just jump on Stayz of Airbnb, if you get stuck let me know though.
Windguru is pretty reliable but there is definitely localised effects due to the mountain, last year on the Monday there was literally no wind back in town and it was 15-25knots cross-off at Kina Rd and I missed most of it.
Registration is $95 just go to the website
taranakiwaveclassic.co.nz
includes BBQ & drinks on the Sunday night and entry into the lucky door prizes ,which includes a Carbon Art Waveboard. Very relaxed event , just freesailing last year with sailors voting on the trophy categories. Am frothing already 
Well another great event stoked to have Chris 'Bowsa' join me, plenty of wind on the Saturday for some jumping and blasting at Waitara, a few small fun ones in light conditions at Weld rd Sunday but didn't get any real swell until the Monday and only just enough wind for some sketchy float and ride in logo to mast high sets down the coast at Kina rd. Earlier in the week scored some late arvo sessions at Ahu's and Pungarehu in good logo high waves, wind was super gusty but the waves made it worthwhile, so sailed all but one day....need to remember to organise gf/photographer to arrive on morning flight 
.Our NZ hosts kept us well lubricated with Brew Mountain putting on 3 kegs which ensured a solid nights partying after the presentation on Sunday nigiht. For full event report
taranakiwaveclassic.co.nz/taranaki-wave-classic-the-event/super-fun-night-twc-2017-event-report/
Thanks to the TWC organising committee and all sponsors another sic event!
